When it comes to golf, England offers an unparalleled experience with its stunning landscapes and rich history. From picturesque coastal courses to rolling countryside greens, the best golf courses in England promise both challenge and beauty. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just starting to swing a club, these courses will leave you in awe with their impeccable design and breathtaking views. Get ready to tee off and explore the top golfing destinations that England has to offer.
The Belfry
Location and History
Located in Warwickshire, England, The Belfry is one of the most renowned golf courses in the country. Its rich history dates back to 1977 when it first opened its doors to golf enthusiasts. Over the years, it has gained recognition as a top-notch venue for golf tournaments, including four highly prestigious Ryder Cups.
Course Design
The Belfry boasts three distinct 18-hole courses, each offering a unique golfing experience. The Brabazon course, the crown jewel of the complex, is a challenging par 72 course known for its demanding layout and intricate green complexes. It has witnessed the triumphs and defeats of countless professional golfers, adding to its allure. The PGA National and The Derby courses also offer their own set of challenges, catering to golfers of all skill levels.
Notable Tournaments
As mentioned earlier, The Belfry has been the proud host of four Ryder Cups, showcasing its status as a world-class golf course. The atmosphere during these tournaments is electric, as golfers from Europe and the United States battle it out for victory. In addition to the Ryder Cup, The Belfry has also hosted various European Tour events, attracting top players from around the globe. These tournaments have not only showcased the exceptional playing conditions but also solidified The Belfry’s reputation as a premier golf destination.
St. Andrews Links
Location and History
Situated in the picturesque town of St. Andrews, Scotland, St. Andrews Links is considered the birthplace of golf. With a rich history spanning over six centuries, its significance cannot be overstated. The unique coastal location adds to the allure, providing stunning views of the North Sea while golfers immerse themselves in the game.
Course Design
St. Andrews Links consists of seven public courses, each with its own distinctive characteristics. The Old Course, dating back to the 15th century, is the most iconic and revered among them. It features undulating fairways, deep bunkers, and challenging greens, testing golfers’ skills and strategic thinking. The other courses, including the New, Jubilee, Eden, and Castle courses, offer their own challenges and maintain the traditions of classic links golf.
Notable Tournaments
Many significant tournaments have been contested at St. Andrews Links. The Open Championship, often referred to as the British Open, has been hosted by the course a record-breaking 29 times, emphasizing its elite status. Professionals and amateurs alike have had the opportunity to walk in the footsteps of golfing legends while competing in prestigious events such as the St. Andrews Links Trophy and The Amateur Championship. The rich history and aura surrounding St. Andrews Links make it a must-visit destination for golf enthusiasts from around the world.
Royal Birkdale Golf Club
Location and History
Royal Birkdale Golf Club, located in Merseyside, England, is one of the most esteemed golf courses in the country. Founded in 1889, it has a long-standing reputation for its challenging course and exceptional facilities, making it a favorite among professional golfers and amateurs alike.
Course Design
The course at Royal Birkdale is characterized by its stunning coastal setting and rolling dunes, providing a picturesque backdrop for golfers. With its strategically placed bunkers, undulating fairways, and challenging green complexes, the course demands precision and strategic thinking from players. Each hole offers a unique test of skill, ensuring an unforgettable golfing experience.
Notable Tournaments
Royal Birkdale has been the proud host of numerous prestigious tournaments, including The Open Championship. It has held this major championship numerous times throughout its history, most recently in 2017. The course’s demanding layout and unpredictable weather conditions have challenged the world’s best golfers, resulting in thrilling competitions and unforgettable moments. A visit to Royal Birkdale not only allows you to play a challenging round of golf but also provides an opportunity to immerse yourself in the rich history of the sport.
Wentworth Club
Location and History
Located in Surrey, England, the Wentworth Club has been a symbol of excellence in the golfing world since its inception in 1922. It stands as a testament to the vision of its founder, Wentworth’s legendary course architect, Harry Colt. The club’s rich history and superb facilities make it a premier destination for golfers seeking an unrivaled experience.
Course Design
The iconic Wentworth Club offers three 18-hole courses, each with its own distinct charm and challenges. The West Course, the most renowned of the three, showcases Harry Colt’s design brilliance. With its majestic tree-lined fairways, challenging bunkers, and exquisitely manicured greens, the course demands both precision and strategy. The East Course and Edinburgh Course also offer golfers an exceptional golfing experience, ensuring there is something for everyone at the Wentworth Club.
Notable Tournaments
Wentworth Club has hosted the prestigious BMW PGA Championship for decades, attracting top players from around the world. This European Tour event, held annually, showcases the best of golf and the stunning Wentworth grounds. The course has witnessed historic victories, embodying the spirit of competition and excellence. Playing at Wentworth Club allows you to step into the shoes of golfing legends and experience the thrill of competing on hallowed grounds.
Royal County Down Golf Club
Location and History
Nestled in the beautiful seaside town of Newcastle, Northern Ireland, Royal County Down Golf Club presents an awe-inspiring natural landscape combined with a rich golfing heritage. Established in 1889, this prestigious club has become synonymous with excellence, attracting golfers from across the globe.
Course Design
The Royal County Down Golf Club boasts two 18-hole courses, the Championship Links and the Annesley Links. The Championship Links, often regarded as one of the world’s finest courses, offers breathtaking views of the Mourne Mountains and the rugged coastlines. Its challenging layout, impenetrable bunkers, and undulating fairways provide a formidable test for even the most seasoned golfers. The Annesley Links, while more forgiving and suitable for less experienced players, still demands precision and strategy.
Notable Tournaments
Royal County Down has hosted numerous high-profile tournaments over the years, including the prestigious Irish Open. Playing at this esteemed venue allows golfers to follow in the footsteps of some of the sport’s greatest players and experience the heritage and beauty of the course. The unparalleled beauty and challenge of Royal County Down make it a bucket-list destination for all golf enthusiasts.
Sunningdale Golf Club
Location and History
Sunningdale Golf Club, located in Berkshire, England, is a golfing paradise that has captivated players since its establishment in 1901. With its immaculate grounds and rich heritage, it has firmly established itself as one of the finest golf clubs in the United Kingdom.
Course Design
Sunningdale Golf Club offers two world-class 18-hole courses, the Old Course and the New Course. The Old Course, designed by the legendary Harry Colt, is an excellent representation of traditional heathland golf. It boasts beautifully manicured fairways, fast greens, and strategically placed bunkers, providing a challenging yet fair test of golf. The New Course, designed by Colt’s protégé, John Morrison, offers a slightly more forgiving layout while still maintaining the overall quality and standard of Sunningdale’s courses.
Notable Tournaments
Sunningdale Golf Club has been the host of numerous significant tournaments, including the Senior Open Championship and the British Amateur Championship. These prestigious events have attracted top-level players, showcasing their skills on the course’s exceptional layout. The timeless elegance and sheer quality of Sunningdale Golf Club make it a favorite among golfers who appreciate classic golfing experiences.
Royal St. George’s Golf Club
Location and History
Nestled in the charming coastal town of Sandwich, England, Royal St. George’s Golf Club has been a beacon of golfing excellence since its foundation in 1887. Steeped in history and tradition, the club offers a truly memorable golfing experience.
Course Design
The course at Royal St. George’s is a testament to the genius of its designers, combining natural coastal features with strategic bunkering and challenging holes. The undulating fairways, towering dunes, and trademark pot bunkers all contribute to creating a true links golfing experience. Each hole presents a unique challenge, requiring careful thought and precision shot-making.
Notable Tournaments
Royal St. George’s has played host to The Open Championship no less than 15 times, underscoring its status as one of the most prestigious golf courses in the world. The tournament has witnessed remarkable victories and dramatic moments that have become part of golfing folklore. Competing at Royal St. George’s is a dream come true for any golfer, allowing you to follow in the footsteps of golf’s greatest champions.
Carnoustie Golf Links
Location and History
Situated in Angus, Scotland, Carnoustie Golf Links is a name that commands respect in the golfing community. Established in 1842, the club has a formidable reputation and is considered one of the toughest courses in the world.
Course Design
The championship course at Carnoustie is known for its unforgiving fairways, deep imposing bunkers, and treacherous Barry Burn. With unpredictable weather conditions, it presents a stern test of skill and mental fortitude. The layout demands accuracy in every shot, and strategic thinking is vital on each hole.
Notable Tournaments
Carnoustie Golf Links has played host to The Open Championship eight times, solidifying its position as one of the premier venues for this major tournament. The final-round duels and memorable shots witnessed on these hallowed fairways have made Carnoustie a legendary name in golf history. Playing at Carnoustie Golf Links is a true test of golfing ability and provides an opportunity to experience the same challenges faced by the world’s best professional golfers.
Royal Dornoch Golf Club
Location and History
Located in the Highlands of Scotland, Royal Dornoch Golf Club is a hidden gem that has captured the hearts of golfers for over a century. Established in 1877, this historic club is renowned for its natural beauty and the challenges it presents to players.
Course Design
The Championship Course at Royal Dornoch is revered as one of the most beautiful and demanding courses in the world. It offers a true links experience, with its rolling fairways, deep bunkers, and challenging greens. The unique combination of ever-changing wind conditions and formidable hazards requires precision and strategy in every shot, making it a golfer’s paradise.
Notable Tournaments
Royal Dornoch has hosted numerous prestigious tournaments, including The Amateur Championship and the British Ladies Amateur Championship. These events have attracted talented golfers from across the globe, who have come to appreciate the unique charm and challenge of the course. A round at Royal Dornoch allows you to walk in the footsteps of golfing legends while being surrounded by breathtaking scenery.
Woburn Golf Club
Location and History
Situated in the scenic county of Buckinghamshire, England, Woburn Golf Club has earned a reputation as one of the finest golfing destinations in the country. Founded in 1976, it has grown to consist of three outstanding championship courses, offering diversity and quality to players of all levels.
Course Design
Woburn Golf Club showcases three championship courses: the Duke’s, the Duchess, and the Marquess. Each course embodies its unique character, immersing players in a golfing experience tailored to their preferences. The Duke’s, designed by Charles Lawrie, offers a challenging parkland layout, featuring lush fairways and strategic hazards. The Duchess, designed by Peter Alliss, incorporates both parkland and heathland elements, offering a delightful blend of natural beauty and strategic design. The Marquess, designed by Ross McMurray, boasts stunning panoramic views and presents players with an invigorating and challenging golfing experience.
Notable Tournaments
Woburn Golf Club has hosted numerous professional tournaments over the years, including the British Masters and the Women’s British Open. These events have attracted some of the biggest names in the sport, who have showcased their skills on the club’s exceptional courses. Playing at Woburn Golf Club allows you to enjoy championship-level golf while immersing yourself in the club’s rich golfing heritage.
In conclusion, England is blessed with an array of exceptional golf courses, each offering its own unique challenges and beauty. Whether a seasoned professional or an amateur enthusiast, these courses provide a chance to experience the joy and excitement of the game within breathtaking surroundings. So, grab your clubs and embark on a golfing adventure that will create memories to last a lifetime.
